Marina Bernardin Visitors Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Marina Bernardin visitors berths — smaller, quieter alternative to Marina Portorož, 1nm to the NW. Part of the Bernardin Resort complex with hotel, spa, and beach directly adjacent. Visitors berths available on outer pontoons in 2–4m. Fully enclosed marina with all-round protection. Boat lift capacity 30 tonnes. The 30m alarm radius covers standard pontoon berth swing. Tidal range 1m+: confirm berth depth at low water for deep-keel yachts. The resort complex provides additional wind break against Bora. Popular with charter boats from Italy arriving on first leg from Trieste.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Marina Bernardin Visitors is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Call Marina Portorož on VHF Ch 17 to confirm berth availability before approaching — especially in July–August when the marina is at capacity.
2. Approach from the NW. Entrance channel: 22m wide, 3.5m deep. Anchor in 2–4m, adding 1–1.5m to the charted depth for the Northern Adriatic tidal range.
3. Deploy at least 5:1 scope (20m chain at 4m depth) — tidal movement means the rode will work harder than in the Mediterranean.
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Marina Bernardin Visitors are excellent — the enclosed marina provides all-round protection. The Northern Adriatic tidal range of 1m+ is the key consideration: your boat will swing through a wider arc than in most Mediterranean anchorages as the rode angle changes through the tidal cycle.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 30m radius before going below. 30m radius covers pontoon berth. Marina fully enclosed — N. Adriatic tidal range has minimal impact on alarm radius in berth. Confirm berth depth at low water if draft exceeds 3m.

Open year-round. Peak season Jul–Aug with advance booking advised. May, June, and September offer the best balance of availability and good sailing weather. October remains viable. Quieter than Marina Portorož throughout the season — a good alternative if Portorož is full or too busy. Winter: laying-up available with 30t boat lift.

Navigation Hazards

• Narrower entrance than Marina Portorož — careful at night and in reduced visibility
• Shallower inner berths — check draft on entry; tidal range 1m+ means low-water depth can be 1m less than high-water depth
• Bora: marina is well protected by the resort complex but approach can be rough in strong Bora — enter at reduced speed
• No fuel dock at Bernardin — fill at Marina Portorož (0.8nm SE) before arriving

Rules & Regulations

• EU/Schengen — no customs formalities for EU boats arriving from EU ports. Non-EU citizens: register with police within 3 days. Non-EU flagged boats: 18-month temporary importation relief (TIR).
• Anchoring fee: Pontoon berth: ~€40–90/night; smaller than Marina Portorož; quieter
• Restrictions: Narrower entrance than Marina Portorož — approach carefully at night. Shallower inner berths — check draft on entry. Max boat lift 30 tonnes. Pre-booking advised Jul–Aug.
• Strunjan Nature Reserve: Central zone (Holy Cross Bay / Ronek) — navigation and anchoring prohibited (Natura 2000). Outer zone — navigation permitted, no anchoring. Verify position against official Slovenian charts.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Portorož promenade (0.5nm)
• Restaurant: Bernardin Resort hotel and restaurant directly accessible from the marina. Spa and beach on site. Portorož town restaurants and shops 0.8nm SE. Fuel: Marina Portorož fuel dock 0.8nm SE.
• Provisions: Available
• Wi-Fi: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Quieter than Portorož — better for peaceful overnight stop
2. Bernardin Resort hotel and spa accessible from marina
3. 30-tonne boat lift — smaller than Portorož 60t crane
4. From here, Piran old town is 2nm by water, easily accessible by dinghy or water taxi